Government to ban all single-use plastic purchases in schools

Climate change presents the single biggest threat to sustainable development in the marine and infrastructure industries and there is a need for action.
With increasing stakeholder expectations and regulations – such as the International 
Maritime Organization (IMO) Greenhouse Gas Strategy 2050 – the maritime industry finds itself at a pivotal point in the debate around sustainability. As the conversation continues to grow in both volume and reach, so do initiatives, such as the World Ports Sustainability Program, the Environmental Ship Index, and the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We hear the term “circular economy” more and more these days. Can you explain what that means for those who might not be familiar? Why is it important?
In a traditional economy, we take, make, and dispose in a straight line. But the circular economy is all about how we can change that process into something more continuous, finding ways to be more intentional and keep resources within the cycle. It’s all about reducing waste, whether through packaging design or using more eco-friendly materials in general. Another huge element is asset recovery, finding ways to repair, refurbish, or reuse old products for our spare parts inventory. The circular economy is not only good for the environment, but it is good for the bottom line. There can be a lot of cost savings, because we don’t have to extract new natural resources each time. Instead we leverage existing resources in new and innovative ways.